Operator safety oriented earth auger

ABSTRACT

An apparatus describing a heavy duty earth drilling rig having unique provision for superior visual control by operator from a vantage point above the cutting tool, thus obviating man-presence in lateral proximity to a hazardous work area, while increasing operating efficiency and convenience.

United States Patent [1 1 Russell, Jr.

[451 Sept. 4, 1973 OPERATOR SAFETY ORIENTED EARTH AUGER [76] Inventor: Wayne B. Russell, Jr., 3895 Logo Ave., Lynwood, Calif. 90262 [22] Filed: Aug. 27, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 175,562

[52] US. Cl 175/203, 175/162, 175/219 [51] Int. Cl E2lb 3/02, E21b 19/08 [58] Field of Search 175/219, 220, 209,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,251,013 7/1941 Donley et a]. 175/219 X 2,407,976 9/1946 Curtis et al. 175/219 X 2,807,441 9/1957 Sewell 175/207 X 2,810,550 10/1957 Cohen et al. 175/162 2,838,283 6/1958 Simmond et a1 [75/203 Primary ExaminerDavid H. Brown Attorney-D. Gordon Angus et a1.

[5 7] ABSTRACT An apparatus describing a heavy duty earth drilling rig having unique provision for superior visual control by operator from a vantage point above the cutting tool, thus obviating man-presence in lateral proximity to a hazardous work area, while increasing operating efficiency and convenience.

13 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 1 OPERATOR SAFETY ORIENTED EARTH AUGER This invention disclosure relates to all power equipment having at least one auger drill or equivalent type cutting member turning through means of a shaft known as a Kelly Drive, which is capable of extending from its mounting within a stabilizing mast, said mast being securely mounted upon a stabilizing support bed; said assemblege totaling an apparatus useful in the production of utility holes within the surface of the earth, and capable of producing perfectly vertical holes or oblique holes, of any amount, and of varying size dependent upon configuration of machine and job applications.

The prime purpose of this invention is to provide operator safety and convenience and improved equipment performance during standard drilling procedures through means of an advantageous operator control position relative to the power driven cutting tool.

Heretofore, an operator of any motorized earth drillrig had to manipulate principal mode functions of extending, drilling, and retracting the cutting tool, as well as sequencing the "spin-off or dumping mode from a control point physically hazardous to his well being. It was not unusual in this commonly practiced configuration for an operator to become severely maimed or fatally injured through inadvertant contact of limb or body with the powerful, rotating. cutting tool; or become impaled by flying objects during the required spin-off mode which serves to empty the earth-laden spiral spinesof the cutting auger as material is successively extracted from within an increasingly deepened hole. Tragic accidents also occur when an operator slips and falls into a drilling hole; for example, during an impulsive moment while endeavoring to gain an improved visual vantage pointas when drilling near known underground pipe lines, or during the shudder and shimmy of an entire drilling rig which may occur when working through rocky or tough strata of earth. in the conventional control arrangement, the operator is situated adjacent to the working area in a lateral posi tion relative to the cutting tool which may be an auger anywhere in size from a nominal diameter of 12 inches to large types measuring some l2 feet. Thus, it may be understood that an operator can become entangled in this dynamic tool as it travels up and down in a principally vertical path in proximity to the front of the operator, while also whirling at a relatively high rate, dependent upon the tool size and the soil characteristics. Thus, not only are the conventional control provisions dangerous, the time loss factor attributable to relatively difficult visual control conditions arising from dust, grime, and a disadvantageous angle of vision severely limit the operators view into the drilling hole, thereby encouraging carelessness. However, these paramount difficulties are easily circumvented through unique provisions of this invention.

Through purpose of disclosure nomenclature clarity, the complete assembly of equipment used in drilling holes into the earth shall be hereinafter referred to simply as the Rig; the actual cutting member, referred to as the Auger; the main supporting portion, referred to as the Platform"; the rotating Kelly shaft, referred to as the Drive-shaft; and the Kelly tube shall be referred to as the Mast. While these drilling rigs are routinely classified as heavy duty earth handling equipment, they appear in various sizes as to diameter of the auger and length of the extendable Drive-shaft, with configurations being dictated by the requirements which usually find these rigs mobilized in some fashion, either by direct mounting upon a tractor chassis capable of independently traversing roadways or open terrain or, similarly, upon trailers or hopper carts, depending upon work requirements. Also, some installations will provide a slewing motion through means of a rotary turntable arrangement.

Therefore, it is the object of the invention disclosure to provide a drilling rig having inherent safety provision for the operator by virtue of unique positioning at a point above the platform, where bodily entanglement with hazardous mechanism is impossible.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a platform having a unique viewing-port integrated within the equipment structure in a manner providing an unobstructed downward view upon the drilling hole and auger drilling tool therein.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved distribution of weight mass directed upon the auger for more efiicient and productive performance.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a drive tube assembly having a self-retarding means of rapidly decelerating the linear velocity of the extendable driveshaft as it approaches the limit of its upward travel.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an adjustable drive-shaft packing seal with integral seepage drain and optional return flow means to oil reserve tank.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a rig with convenient fore and aft tilt means, which allows rapid transposition to oblique drilling from the vertical.

it is an object of this invention to provide a platform capable of accepting a single, or a plurality of driving motors.

It is an object of this invention to provide a means of stabilizing the mast structure to reduce rig sway for improved control and obtain mast tilting capability through a single means.

It is an object of this invention to provide a simple method of stabilizing the rig through provision of a transverse jacking arrangement.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method of appreciably reducing induced vibration forces which fatique both machine and operator.

It is an object of the invention to provide a means of controlling drilling procedures from a remote station location.

It is an object of the invention to provide for illumination of the drilling hole and tool therein, through lighting means absent of annoying glare or confusing shadows.

Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, a rig is described which provides for an operator to be stationed above the main structural platform, said platform supporting a tubular mast member, within which slides an extendable drive shaft member, to which is attached a removable auger tool. Thus in this new position, remote from the immediate working area, the operator is safe from the previously described hazards, while provision is made enabling said operator to scan directly downward upon the rotating auger tool and shaft therewith, said provision being a viewing-port integrated within the platform and adjacent to the drive tube mast; thus providing an ideally unobstructed field of vision for ultimate controllability of the various auger operation functions.

Although most machines of this nature are of the preferable hydraulic control type normally powered by an internal combustion engine driving a hydraulic pump which, through suitable valving, allows a high degree of controllability to various functions of the rotary or linear hydraulic slave units, the Inventor desires to make it known that this invention is compatible with all other forms of propulsions, to include turbine, electric, and thermal-vapor power systems as well.

Since the operators new control position is atop the rig, it has proven most useful to incorporate spot light lamps upon the underside of the platform which enables said operator to maintain perfect visual control of the drilling procedures during the most difficult high contrast conditions of a bright, sunny day or during night-time operations as well.

Versions of the invention utilizing hydraulic means of control entirely or in part may gain advantage of other unique provisions as set forth herein for the improvement of operating efficiency and the lowering of maintenance expense. Through means of a cushioning dash pot-like arrangement at the top of the sealed drive tube, the internally sliding piston and drive shaft member may be brought upward at full velocity without concern to damage, as with conventional drive tube arrangements which have no self-retarding provision. Thus the operator may concentrate more upon a rapid sequencing of upward and downward functions, thereby negating usual down time due to mechanical damage in the system.

Another feature, having fail-safe advantages, is incorporated at the lower end of the same drive assembly, and involves the use of a series of annulated packing seals compressed on one end by an annular gland which is adjustable to compensate for wear of said packing which serves to isolate oil within the hydraulic drive tube from ambient seepage; while secondary seal arrangement forms a bleed-off cavity wherein a return line may be incorporated which obviates need for continual replenishment of lost oil reserve thus making time consuming adjustment of the said oil seals much less critical in nature.

Yet another feature of the invention is the tremendously lessened vibration which is absorbed through dynamic action of fluid mass inertia which effectively dampens out much of the frequencies which ordinarily are present while drilling and cause troublesome downtime for repairs which are due principally to the vibration fatique of metals, loosening of bolts, and the like. The said fluid mass is obtained by placement of hydraulic reserve oil supply, which may amount to several hundred pounds of weight, directly above the drilling tool, integral within the platform-support structure; which also may house separated heavy gear-lube protecting the vital drive-shaft bearings and final drive gear components.

The above and other features of this invention reside in its simplicity of construction, efficient and dependable operation, and in its adaptability to convenient and competative manufacture. With the foregoing more prominent objects and features in mind, other points of importance may become apparent as this specification proceeds.

The invention will be more fully comprehended from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein, like characters of reference are used to designate like parts, and wherein:

FIG. 1. is a side elevation view of an exemplified trailer installation displaying the preferred relationship of an operator relative to the Rig, and the viewing port arrangement which is shown in a fragmentary cutaway.

FIG. 2. is a bottom view of the above Rig representing preferred embodiments of the invention, and indicating the cutting plane of the subsequent section views.

FIG. 3. is an enlarged fragmentary view exposing details of the upper Mast assemblage, and Piston Retarder configuration therein.

FIG. 4. is an enlarged fragmentary view exposing details of the lower Mast assemblage, and preferred arrangement of seals relative to drive members.

FIG. 5. is a front elevation view of the equipment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Therefore, in conjunction with the following descriptive enumerations, reference is given to the drawing of FIG. 1 wherein is exhibited the preferred embodiment of the invention including the relative seating position of the operator 10, his seat 11, and his controls area 12; all located above the platform 13 which is pivotally mounted upon a suitable framework 14, which is transversely leveled and stabilized through means of jack pads 15, resting upon earth 16, surrounding drilled hole 17. Affixed to the said platform 13 is a hollow tube mast section 18 which may be of any length or diameter as defined by work requirements; while dual mast retraction arms 19, and fixed truss support 20, restrain any tendency to sway by virtue of their relative triangulated splay arrangement. Thus, it may be seen that said platform 13 may be tilted back for oblique drilling or greater clearance and ease of handling while in transit to and from job site, through means of pivotal mounting upon an axis transverse to longitudinal orientation of frame 14, said frame herein displaying in part, a mobile chassis, having heavy duty tires 29 and an axle 22.

Reference to FIG. 2 clearly defines major underside features of the rig such as the typical arrangement of the operator's unique viewing port 23 shown here in a rectilinear configuration, within which is preferably housed an extra precautionary protective grating 24 preferably of the expanded metal type which will withstand the weight of a man, and blocks any chance of inadvertant dropping of a tool or other object into the drilling hole 17. Additionally, the viewing-port 23 is useful in indirect manned operation through use of a compact closed-circut t.v. camera 25 (FIG. 1) which would permit supervision or complete radio control of drilling operations from a remote station by human controllers who would monitor work progress via a CRT-picture scope. Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is the preferred positioning of the one or more work lamps 33 situated as to illuminate the drilling procedure.

Examination of FIG. 3 reveals the preferably square cross-section closed drive-shaft member 26 which is both reciprocatively and rotatively supported within said tube 18 along its longitudinal axis by typical arrangement of an upper piston seal means or assembly 27 and a lower bushing/seal assembly, herein referred to as a packing seal means, shown in FIG. 4. The shaft protrudes downward through an opening at the bottom of the tubular mast and slidably through a drive gear 45 having a depending bushing 44a which passes closely through an opening through the bottom of gear compartment or cavity 50. Said seals serve to permit oil in tube section 28 to be pressurized to produce a positive upward component of shaft travel, or likewise oil in corresponding tube section 29 may be pressurized to produce a positive downward component of shaft travel; while rotating at a steady drilling rate as may be desired. It will be noted in FIG. 1 that oil sump 30 is situated as an integral part of the platform structure 13 thereby increasing the preponderance of weight upon the auger tool 31 for greater drilling efficiency. The auger is attached to the shaft beneath the mast and the platform. Detail of FIG. 3 permit discussion of the preferred hydraulic retarder configuration incorporated into the upper mast portion 32, which permits inexperienced operators to manipulate the hydraulic control valves without regard to the destructive structural damage which might ordinarily result from excessive upward shaft stroke speed, when the limit of stroke travel is reached. It may be seen that outside diameter of piston crown 51, being somewhat less than the inside cylinder diameter of chamber 34, cooperate in creating a flow restricting shock dampening annular region or channel with the insurgence of hydraulic fluid passing harmlessly out through relief port 34 and into tank return line 35. Thus, for any given hydraulic fluid viscosity and temperature index, it may be seen that altering the clearance 36 between the piston and tube walls will determine the metering effect on the fluid and hence the preferred rate of retardation for a particular combined unit of mass, upward component velocity and cylinder diameter.

Study of F IG. 4 reveals the preferred arrangement of elements embodied within the bushing support tube 37 which houses individual annulated primary sections 38 of annular disc-like seals preferably fabricated of'a neoprene/fabric composition as are like annulated seals 39. Juxtapositioned to-between to said seal groups are annular disc-like rings in the form of metal elements 40 which are preferably not polished at the region of their mating surfaces in order that an oil pourous band be created by the simple formation of weep-washers. All of these ring-like elements resting upon fixed flange 41 which ultimately resists the compression effect of clamping gland ring 42, said gland being readily adjustable by various means, the one preferred being a plurality of longitudinal bolts 43, which compensate for a high rate of seal wear due to the stresses imposed upon the drilling tool member 31 (FIG. 1). Thus, it may be seen that hydraulic oil pressure within the mast section 18 normally tends to migrate past seals 38 which bear against revolving collet-bushing 44, which serves as an intermediate adapter member necessary in making the transposition from a splined or square drive shaft 26 to the massive driven gear 45. Since said seals 38 acquire rapid wear due to a high thrust load factor, oil would normally be lost into the ambient external regions were it not for the special inclusion of a seepage drain 46 in the form of an annular channel, and outlet 47, adjacent to the pourous metal elements 40 which permit eventual leakage between the primary seals 38 and collet surface at region 48a to be bled-off prior to forcing past seals 39 which would cause dangerous dilution of segregated gear casement oil at the drive shaft propulsion system 48 and gears (FIG. 1) by lower viscosity oil.

Shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 is the preferred location for the drive shaft rotary propulsion member 48, or a plurality of same in radial formation disposed about the spur drive gear 45, said gear incorporating in some cases a replaceable internal sleeve bushing 44a of cast bronze (omitted for simplicity) which is an easy sliding fit over the drive-shaft 26 and provides as in the manner discribed a positive non-slip transmission of power to the auger tool, which too] may be retracted for spinoff unloading of extracted earth 49 (FIG. 1). Although preferred by the Inventor, this form of power transmission is shown primarily by way of example as it is intended that this invention be adaptable to various known methods of powering. Also shown in FIG. 5 is the integral formation of an effective inertial vibration dampener, through use of hydraulic oil reservoir cavity 30 and gear lube cavity 50 within platform 13, said cavities additionally providing a cooling effect through use of the platform 13 as a heat-sink for hydraulic oil is recirculated via a standard driving pump.

While the foregoing serves to illustrate and discribe the preferred embodiment of the invention, various modification may become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Accordingly, it is imprudent to limit the invention to disclosure made herewith; as it is desired that various modification and equivalent may be resorted to which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim the following:

1. In an earth drilling mechanism, in combination, a platform, a tubular mast having a side wall and a longitudinal axis and closed at its upper end and having an opening at its lower end, a rotary drive shaft having an upper portion within the mast and a lower portion extending through said opening to the region below the mast, said shaft having attached to it below the opening a cutting tool adapted to drill into earth and also having a piston within the mast, piston seal means at the piston providing a seal between the piston and the mast, thereby providing a chamber between the piston and the closed upper end of the mast, packing seal means below the piston providing a seal between the shaft and the mast, whereby the shaft may be reciprocated within the mast in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mast, hydraulic means for producing reciprocation of said shaft comprising means forcing hydraulic fluid under pressure through a first port into the mast between the piston seal means and the packing seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, upward within the mast, and means for forcing hydraulic fluid through a second port into the mast above the piston seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, downward within the mast, said piston above the piston seal having means providing a channel between the piston and the side wall of the mast to permit metered release of fluid from the chamber through said channel to the second port so that upward movement of said piston is cushioned.

2. Equipment according to claim 1 in which the piston seal means is mounted to the piston and the packing seal means is mounted to the mast so that the piston seal means slides within the mast and the drive shaft slides within the packing seal.

3. Equipment according to claim 1 in which the cutting tool is an earth auger.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the platform is attached to a pivot and means attached to the mast produces tilting of the platform on said pivot.

5. Equipment according to claim 1 in which power means is provided for driving the shaft in rotation.

6. In an earth drilling mechanism, in combination, a platform, a tubular mast having a side wall and a longitudinal axis and closed at its upper end and having an opening at its lower end, a rotary drive shaft having an upper portion within the mast and a lower portion extending through said opening to the region below the mast, said shaft having attached to it below the opening a cutting tool adapted to drill into earth and also having a piston within the mast, piston seal means at the piston providing a seal between the piston and the mast, thereby providing a chamber between the piston and the closed upper end of the mast, packing seal means below the piston providing a seal between the shaft and the mast, whereby the shaft may be re'ciprocated within the mast in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mast, hydraulic means for producing reciprocation of said shaft comprising means forcing hydraulic fluid under pressure through a first port into the mast between the piston seal means and the packing seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, upward within the mast, and means for forcing hydraulic fluid through a second port into the mast above the piston seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, downward within the mast, said packing seal means comprising a first stack of annular disc-like seals and a second stack of annular disc-like seals, both of said stacks being located between a portion of the mast and a portion of the drive shaft, and a stack of annular disc-like elements between said first and second stacks of seals, the disc-like seals of said first and second stacks being constructed to minimize flow of pressurized fluid past them and said disc-like elements being constructed to facilitate flow of fluid received by them, a channel at the periphery of said disc-like elements into which fluid reaching said elements flows, and an outlet from said channel for draining off fluid reaching said channel.

7. Equipment according to claim 6 in which the channel is in the form of an annulus around the stack of elements.

8. Equipment according to claim 7 in which the disclike elements are unpolished metal permitting weeping of fluid between adjacent elements.

9. Equipment according to claim 6 in which said piston above the pistonseal has means providing a channel between the piston and the side wall of the mast to permit metered release of fluid from the chamber through said channel to the second port so that upward movement of said piston is cushioned.

10. Equipment according to claim 9 in which there is a viewing port through the platform and means enabling an operator to position himself above the viewing port to view the auger beneath the platform.

11. Equipment according to claim 6 in which the disc-like seals and elements of the stacks are compressed.

12. Equipment according to claim 6 in which lubricated gears for driving the shaft in rotation are located below the second stack of seals, said second stack preventing contamination of the lubricant by reason of the draining off of the fluid through the outlet.

13. Equipment according to claim 6 in which a bushing attached to the mast is positioned around all of the stacks.

* t l I 35 I NITED STATES PATEENT 03mm 7 CERTIFICATE OF CORREQUQN Patent No. 3,756,330 Dated eptember 4, 1973 Inve tofls) WAYNE B. RUSSELL. JR.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 5, line 37: Change "Juxtapo itioned to-between to" to --Juxtaposit'ioned between-- Signed and sealed this 1st day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M.v GIBSON JR. C, MARSE IALL DANN Atteting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. In an earth drilling mechanism, in combination, a platform, a tubular mast having a side wall and a longitudinal axis and closed at its upper end and having an opening at its lower end, a rotary drive shaft having an upper portion within the mast and a lower portion extending through said opening to the region below the mast, said shaft having attached to it below the opening a cutting Tool adapted to drill into earth and also having a piston within the mast, piston seal means at the piston providing a seal between the piston and the mast, thereby providing a chamber between the piston and the closed upper end of the mast, packing seal means below the piston providing a seal between the shaft and the mast, whereby the shaft may be reciprocated within the mast in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mast, hydraulic means for producing reciprocation of said shaft comprising means forcing hydraulic fluid under pressure through a first port into the mast between the piston seal means and the packing seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, upward within the mast, and means for forcing hydraulic fluid through a second port into the mast above the piston seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, downward within the mast, said piston above the piston seal having means providing a channel between the piston and the side wall of the mast to permit metered release of fluid from the chamber through said channel to the second port so that upward movement of said piston is cushioned.
 2. Equipment according to claim 1 in which the piston seal means is mounted to the piston and the packing seal means is mounted to the mast so that the piston seal means slides within the mast and the drive shaft slides within the packing seal.
 3. Equipment according to claim 1 in which the cutting tool is an earth auger.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the platform is attached to a pivot and means attached to the mast produces tilting of the platform on said pivot.
 5. Equipment according to claim 1 in which power means is provided for driving the shaft in rotation.
 6. In an earth drilling mechanism, in combination, a platform, a tubular mast having a side wall and a longitudinal axis and closed at its upper end and having an opening at its lower end, a rotary drive shaft having an upper portion within the mast and a lower portion extending through said opening to the region below the mast, said shaft having attached to it below the opening a cutting tool adapted to drill into earth and also having a piston within the mast, piston seal means at the piston providing a seal between the piston and the mast, thereby providing a chamber between the piston and the closed upper end of the mast, packing seal means below the piston providing a seal between the shaft and the mast, whereby the shaft may be reciprocated within the mast in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mast, hydraulic means for producing reciprocation of said shaft comprising means forcing hydraulic fluid under pressure through a first port into the mast between the piston seal means and the packing seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, upward within the mast, and means for forcing hydraulic fluid through a second port into the mast above the piston seal means to force the piston and hence the shaft, downward within the mast, said packing seal means comprising a first stack of annular disc-like seals and a second stack of annular disc-like seals, both of said stacks being located between a portion of the mast and a portion of the drive shaft, and a stack of annular disc-like elements between said first and second stacks of seals, the disc-like seals of said first and second stacks being constructed to minimize flow of pressurized fluid past them and said disc-like elements being constructed to facilitate flow of fluid received by them, a channel at the periphery of said disc-like elements into which fluid reaching said elements flows, and an outlet from said channel for draining off fluid reaching said channel.
 7. Equipment according to claim 6 in which the channel is in the form of an annulus around the stack of elements.
 8. Equipment according to claim 7 in which the disc-like elements are unpolished metal permitting weeping of fluid between adjacent elements.
 9. Equipment according to claim 6 in which said piston above the piston seal hAs means providing a channel between the piston and the side wall of the mast to permit metered release of fluid from the chamber through said channel to the second port so that upward movement of said piston is cushioned.
 10. Equipment according to claim 9 in which there is a viewing port through the platform and means enabling an operator to position himself above the viewing port to view the auger beneath the platform.
 11. Equipment according to claim 6 in which the disc-like seals and elements of the stacks are compressed.
 12. Equipment according to claim 6 in which lubricated gears for driving the shaft in rotation are located below the second stack of seals, said second stack preventing contamination of the lubricant by reason of the draining off of the fluid through the outlet.
 13. Equipment according to claim 6 in which a bushing attached to the mast is positioned around all of the stacks. 